Foreman, Rachel

Rachel Foreman

 

STATEMENT:

                I have chosen the still-life as my subject because it affords me the essential elements of space, form and light. Also it allows me the privacy, convenience, and comfort of working indoors. I keep my arrangements simple and spare so that I am not overwhelmed by visual stimulation.

 

            I insist upon painting from life and am continually browsing for interesting specimens. I paint relatively quickly in order to retain freshness. The watercolors are finished in a single sitting. However I do continue to work on the oils for short spells without the aid of the subject.

 

            Why have I persisted with the fruit in bowl motif) for over twenty years)?  This astounds even myself. The perishable and sensuous nature of the fruit lends intimacy and immediacy to the subject. Also the rounded forms resemble celestial bodies and hold similar mystery in their illumination. I find the spatial relationships, the definition and subtleties of shadow in this microcosm fascinating. Thus my reduced selection of subject matter yields endless study.

 

            Aside from observation, I habitually consult the work of other painters for inspiration. Specifically I refer to the beautiful and original work of Giorgio Morandi and Pierre Bonnard.

 

EXHIBITIONS:

Solo:

            Lucia Douglas Gallery        Bellingham, WA      1997, 2004

            Lisa Harris Gallery  Seattle, WA              2001

            Sunlight Café                       Seattle, WA              2001

            Café Flora                 Seattle, WA              1999

Group:

            Lisa Harris Gallery  Seattle, WA              1998, 2004, 2006, 2008

            Blue Horse Gallery             Bellingham, WA                  1994 – 1996, 2004, 2005

            Edison Eye Gallery Edison, WA              2001, 2004, 2005

            Boundary Bay Brewery    Bellingham, WA                  2002 – 2005

            Fountainhead Gallery       Seattle, WA              2001

            Allied Arts of

            Whatcom County   Bellingham, WA                  1999, 2001, 2002, 2004

            Mindport Gallery   Bellingham, WA                  2004

            Whatcom Museum

            Of History and Art Bellingham, WA     1998, 2001

            Lynnwood Library

            Gallery                                   Lynnwood, WA                   2001

            Lucia Douglas Gallery        Bellingham, WA                  1998, 2000

            Lone Wolf Antiques           Bellingham, WA                  2000

            Semiahmoo Resort            Blaine, WA               1999

            Fine Impressions

            Gallery                                   Seattle, WA              1999

 

Education:

                University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, TN,          1988-1992, D.V.M.

            University of the South Sewanee, TN                                       1977, 1978, 1986 – 1988

            City University of New York, Hunter College, New York, NY         1986

            Project of Living Artists, New York, NY                                                1982 – 1986

            Kenyon College                                                                               1978 – 1982 B.A.